Filling rust pitting in a blade- what is an acceptable way?

[stevel48]

My sword will go in for a polish but this deep pitting may not polish out. What are acceptable methods to fill the pitting? I heard red lacquer maybe. Forgive the ignorance but what about soft filler metal like lead before the polish?

 

If left alone will it still paper?

Thanks

 

this is on the kissaki

[stevel48]

more

[hxv]

Steve,

 

Will it polish out? What can be done if it does not polish out? These are question best left to a professionally trained polisher. Have you made an assessment to see if the blade is worth the expenses of restoration and possibly papering?

 

Regards,

Hoanh

[stevel48]

I have. I've spoken to the polishers we all know here in the US and other than the pitting it is in good shape. The sword cost me nothing but the price of a polish for an early Shinto or late koto blade. One polisher said "That looks like a nice older blade in reasonably good condition. It should be completely restorable. That might even be a koto (old sword) period blade. Should be interesting."

 

It has plenty of steel left for a polish, a beautiful hamon and no openings at all.

[Grey Doffin]

If your polisher has proper training you should be fine. If not you could be in trouble. Not all polishers in the US have proper training; maybe only 2 do.

Grey

[stevel48]

If your polisher has proper training you should be fine. If not you could be in trouble. Not all polishers in the US have proper training; maybe only 2 do.

Grey

 

 

Agreed. And it is those 2 that I am speaking to about this nihonto.

[drbvac]

Leave it in their capable hands - don't worry about "filling pitting".

The pits will not be there when you get it back, there are not many ways to fill deeper defects but it can be done- that said its just as well that you don't have to.

Guarantee you will not recognize it when you get it back and I for one would appreciate seeing pictures when you do.